Aurora officer indicted on murder charge in 2025 fatal shooting

• The case also thrusts the Aurora Police Department — long scrutinized over officer conduct and use-of-force incidents — back into the spotlight.

State of play: Officer Matthew Neely, 54, faces charges of second-degree murder and reckless manslaughter in the Aug. 30, 2025, shooting death of Rajon Belt-Stubblefield, 37, during a traffic stop.

• Belt-Stubblefield, who was Black, was fatally shot near East Sixth Avenue and Billings Street after fleeing the stop and discarding a gun, 9News reports.

Catch up quick: The case was referred to the 18th Judicial District grand jury for further investigation in May.

• The grand jury found probable cause to support the criminal charges, 18th Judicial District Attorney Amy Padden said during a press conference Monday.
• Neely surrendered on an arrest warrant issued last Friday and was released after posting a $200,000 bond, Padden said.

Reality check: An indictment doesn't mean someone is guilty. It means a grand jury found enough evidence for the case to move forward.

What they're saying: Aurora police chief Todd Chamberlain on Monday declined to comment on the case, but in a statement said officers sometimes have seconds to address "dangerous" situations.

• "I am confident that all the facts will be fully examined through due process," he added.

What's next: Neely's is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 17.